The superintendent told the School Committee Wednesday that district staffing was stronger than this time last year, that counseling partnerships have been expanded in response to a recent tragedy, and that the Glover playground project is complete.

The nut graf: Administration reported 22 teacher hires (including six internal hires into full-time roles), ongoing recruitment for three special-education teacher openings, renewed partnerships with the Marblehead Counseling Center for school-based mental-health supports, and an upgraded Glover playground paid in part by the Glover PTO.

The superintendent said 22 teachers were hired to begin the school year and six of those were internal staff who moved into full-time teacher positions. There remain vacancies for three special-education teachers and some instructional-assistant openings related to IEP needs and shifting enrollments; the superintendent said substitutes are covering leaves and openings while the district continues hiring.

On student supports, the superintendent described coordination with the Marblehead Counseling Center and the revitalized local mental-health task force; the district plans to administer the MGH substance-use and risk-related factors survey to high-school students, with results compiled by MGH and reported in the spring. The superintendent said families will receive notification and an opt-out pathway when the survey is administered.

On safety, the superintendent said principals were directed to run full ALICE evacuation drills at the start of the year and at least one lockdown drill in the middle of the year, and that recent real alarms and evacuations provided additional practice.

The district completed the Glover Playground upgrade, including new equipment and rubberized surfacing; the superintendent thanked the Glover PTO for donations and said more safety adjustments to mitigate washouts and large boulders are under consideration.

Ending: The superintendent said the district will continue recruitment work, report on survey administration in the spring, and convene wellness and anti-discrimination committees in coming weeks to review plans and policies.